7 Benefits of Eleuthero Root

Eaten as an herb and a root, this plant shows some health benefits. In this article, we will go through the 7 benefits of eleuthero root.

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Summary

Eleuthero root, also called Siberian ginseng, comes from the plant Eleutherococcus senticosus, a small woody shrub native to Asia [1]. Eaten as an herb and a root, this plant shows some health benefits, which prompt further investigation into eleuthero health benefits. In this article, we will go through the 7 benefits of eleuthero root.

Previously noted eleuthero benefits include:

  • Memory enhancement
  • Antioxidant capacity
  • Increase physical endurance
  • Prevent cancer
  • Reduce chronic fatigue
  • Improve mental health

Keep reading to explore 7 benefits of eleuthero root and see how this plant can improve your overall health today.

7 Benefits of Eleuthero Root

Eleuthero could improve brain function and memory

The leaves of eleuthero increase memory and recognition in mice and have powerful effects on proper brain function [2]. However, studies on the root have not yet been performed.

Eleuthero root is high in antioxidants

Eleuthero is high in disease-fighting phytochemicals that can take care of free oxygen radicals, a natural by-product of our metabolism. These radicals can cause disease by damaging cells and DNA, but the phytochemicals found in eleuthero can turn them into harmless compounds.

Products made from Eleuthero have been used for the treatment of inflammation, anemia, and rheumatoid arthritis, and its action against these conditions is likely due to its high antioxidant content [3].

Eleuthero root may be a useful treatment for chronic fatigue in elderly patients

Patients treated with dried Eleuthero extract had higher social functioning scores and mental health than those who did not receive the extract after four weeks of treatment.

This suggests eleuthero might have some useful components for longevity and general health maintenance, but it is currently unclear what caused these effects [4, 5].

Eleuthero root can increase endurance capacity and metabolism

In a study following active men for eight weeks, supplementing their diet with eleuthero increased endurance capacity and cardiovascular function [6]. It also changed their glycogen metabolism, which is an important endurance strategy to increase the amount of time we can exercise in the absence of food.

This means those who consumed Eleuthero had better physical endurance capabilities and could exercise longer, in a healthy way [7].

Endurance capacity has long been associated with better overall health, and Eleuthero may be one of many dietary additions that can improve this. Eleuthero has also been shown to increase fat utilization, making us burn fat faster [8]. For those of us watching our weight or getting into better shape, this is great news.

Chicory can increase your metabolism. Read “What are The Health Benefits of Chicory.”

Eleuthero root could reduce osteoporosis risk and symptoms

Eleuthero products tested in a rat model showed it could prevent bone loss meant to mimic osteoporosis [9].

This suggests components of this plant (in this case, dried stem bark was tested) may be able to fight bone decay characteristic of osteoporosis. This provides a glimmer of hope for the 10 million Americans currently suffering from osteoporosis and 44 million others considered “at-risk” for developing the condition [9, 10].

Eleuthero can reduce tumor growth and improve cancer symptoms

A rapidly developing field, oncology is always seeking new treatments and interventions for the ever-increasing number of cancer patients each year.

In cell models, eleuthero is a promising candidate, reducing tumor growth. In clinical trials, eleuthero has been tested and shown to improve chronic fatigue, a common side-effect of cancer treatment [11]. Much more work remains to be done in this area, but it’s a promising start.

Eleuthero root may be able to reduce stress and improve mental health

Some studies have shown eleuthero can reduce stress and anxiety, in addition to its many other physiological functions [12]. Little is known about this process, but it is an area of ongoing research.

Eleuthero has been tested as a treatment for bipolar disorder but was ineffective [13]. Eleuthero seems to have various effects on mental health. Some of these may be explained by the results of a recent rat study, which showed eleuthero had neuroprotective effects.

Rats treated with eleuthero had higher protection against neuron damage, but little is known about this process [14].

A Negative Quality of Eleuthero

Eleuthero can alter the responses and metabolism of pharmaceuticals in the liver and may even make them more toxic [15]. In another study, Eleuthero herbal preparation was found to alter drug responses in healthy participants [16].

This is a good reminder to always check with your pharmacist or physician if you intend to add any medications to your regime, whether they are synthetic or naturally sourced.

Many pharmaceuticals cannot be taken together, and naturally sourced compounds like those isolated from eleuthero are no exception.

Read “Rhodiola Rosea Root Health Benefits.”

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